Okay, let's be real. The coronavirus has taken a toll on all of us lately, and weddings took a big hit. Everywhere, couples had to reschedule, replan, rearrange, and basically turn their dream wedding on its head due to venue closures and limits on public gatherings. It has NOT been fun.

But this amazing couple, with their amazing team of vendors and their STELLAR wedding planner pulled out ALL the stops to make this wedding day so much better than the couple could ever have imagined. A destination wedding in paradise was cancelled, and arrangements were made for a small, family-only wedding in the bride's mother's own back yard. Complete with fantastic food (from the amazing La Paz) and the most stunning floral arrangements I think I've ever seen (no, seriously) from Stems & Styles, April's mom's house was transformed into a wedding venue of their own.

But it didn't stop there. See, there was a secret. A few weeks before the wedding, April's planner contacted me telling me that she had a surprise in store for the couple. She was going to arrange for all of April & Troy's friends (who had had to be un-invited due to corona) to drive by the reception for an surprise wedding-day parade, complete with signs and banners and music blaring. April & Troy had NO idea, and I honestly believe it was the single greatest moment in my personal wedding-history that I've ever, EVER experienced. Seeing the joy and shock on their faces and the love of friends who showed up big time for them while joyful music blared from the speakers had me holding back the tears SO hard. It. was. perfect. I really don't think anything can ever top it!

The family transitioned back to the backyard for an intimate reception full of mingling under glowing lights and dancing flower girls twirling hard on the patio. The couple ended the day by exiting through sparklers to their limo--which the flower girls had been ecstatically enjoying moments before, sliding across the seats with delirious giggles and gasps of excitement. When April & Troy reached the limo, they paused, turned around, looked at the flower girls & ringbearer and said, "Come on!" for a ride around the block. The squeals were DEAFENING. What a fun, hilarious & sweet way to end such a lovely day <3

Scroll on for some gooey photo goodness:

Congrats April & Troy!

Catering: La Paz Catering
Florist: Stems & Styles
Bride's gown: Bustle
Men's attire: Men's Wearhouse
Planner: Ashley Copeland